Update: I was unfortunately not aware of Shamus Young's severe criticism of Fallout 3 available here to link in the original piece and I regret that. It dovetails rather nicely with what I've written and it's much better executed than my piece. I strongly recommend anyone...

Monster Hunter: Freedom Screenshots

EPIC QUESTS ARE AT HAND AS CAPCOM® PRESENTS MONSTER HUNTER FREEDOM FOR THE PSP™ (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE) SYSTEM

LAS VEGAS - February 16, 2006 - Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today showcased Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. Building upon Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (Japanese release only), which were originally released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Monster Hunter Freedom is the ultimate package, including new missions, additional features and content adapted for the PSP system. Adventurers are now free to take their epic battles with them wherever they go, as they explore a unique world inhabited by ferocious monsters and become mighty hunters in this exciting action game. With a multitude of missions, quests, characters, weapons and more, the variety is virtually limitless. The game features both enhanced single player campaigns as well as multiplayer missions via the PSP system's ad hoc mode which allows up to four friends to band together for intense battles. Monster Hunter Freedom is rated "T" for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and is planned for release across North America in Q2 2006.

In Monster Hunter Freedom, challengers take on a variety of quests and conquer larger than life beasts either alone or with the aid of others. Players start by customizing their own character, choosing the type of hair, face, voice and other various attributes their personalized monster hunter will possess. They can explore a hub village where they can sign up for various challenges ranging from retrieving a valuable egg from the nest of a menacing dragon to hunting down powerful creatures and much more. Hunters can scavenge defeated monsters for food, collect bones for weapons and armor, and even use pieces for decorative accessories. In addition, by completing objectives, players receive an array of rewards that allows them to upgrade their arsenal and equipment, readying them for even tougher battles.

Monster Hunter Freedom boasts an array of exciting new features for the PSP system:

Breathtaking graphics – lush environments and detailed monsters are beautifully represented on the PSP system

Up to four can team up in cooperative multiplayer missions via the PSP system's ad hoc mode

Players can also exchange certain items as well as guild cards which track points that are awarded when friends play together

Enhanced village hub features a new look and includes various upgraded areas

Expanded item shop – players can use quest rewards or pillaged items to upgrade more weapons and armor than before, as well as purchase items, ammo and food

House area – hunters now have an improved home where they can store and manage items in a chest, save their progress by resting in bed, read magazines that provide useful game tips and access the new Felyne Kitchen area

Farm – a brand new location where players can fish, garden, scavenge for items and more

By investing with the town's representatives and dealing with the businesses, players contribute to the growth and development of the area which creates additional options

New Felyne Kitchen – hire these feisty creatures to create various culinary delights in their extraordinary kitchen

Experience different effects from eating the specially prepared food such as increased attack power, defense and more

Benefits from the food continue until a quest is cleared once

The more these chefs are used, the higher their levels become, improving their cooking skills to produce even more helpful entrées

Each cat has their own unique "special" ingredient which can produce different results that aid players in combat

New "treasure hunters" two player co-op game

Collect and deliver treasures in a specific time to achieve high scores and earn various items

High value prizes are added to a collection list on a guild card which can be traded with friends

Exciting mini games – collect items, harvest plants and complete other small tasks to obtain all kinds of useful items

Brand new weapons and equipment provide even more options

Content on this page comes directly from press releases and fact sheets provided by publishers and developers and was not written by the Game Revolution staff.